Husband-and-wife hotelier duo Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar have lived in York, Maine, for over 4 a long time and are keen about preserving historic properties round city. However The Viewpoint Resort, with its postcard-worthy, panoramic views of the historic Nubble Lighthouse, is indubitably, the crown jewel of the bunch.
The couple bought The Viewpoint Resort (initially inbuilt 1994) in addition to 4 small tons behind it in 2017. After an intensive makeover and the development of seven new resort rooms, The Viewpoint reopened in 2023.
“After we purchased this place, this was all very completely different,” stated Lipton. “We wished these suites to honor the pure fantastic thing about this place. You’ll be able to’t compete with nature.”
The unique property had simply 11 suites, however the seven new rooms are positioned in a standalone constructing nestled into the hillside, every with unobstructed views of the rocky shoreline and enjoyable, coastal Maine-inspired design. The waters of the North Atlantic fairly actually appear to glitter right here beneath the gray-blue haze of the Maine sky—it is a really perfect place to tie the knot. In reality, Girl Gaga’s sister, Natali Germanotta did simply that in June.
Yoga courses are included for resort company, and often, a dawn session of downward canine and lotus poses could be proper up my alley. However, after I awoke at 5:30 a.m. throughout my keep, I made myself tea, grabbed an opulent gown, and as a substitute opted to lie on the balcony chair and quietly look forward to the primary rays of daylight to make their look. A solar salutation certainly.
This is what it is like to remain at The Viewpoint Resort.
- The suites’ non-public balconies function picturesque views of the Nubble Lighthouse and stargazing alternatives at evening.
- The Viewpoint’s handy location makes it simple to discover York’s 4 seashores, Lengthy Sands, Brief Sands, Harbor, and Cape Neddick, in addition to close by picturesque Maine cities resembling Ogunquit and Kittery.
- York is sort of busy through the summer time, however in contrast to most inns within the space, The Viewpoint is open all 12 months spherical and presents a nice shoulder season expertise.
Reel Maine Co./Courtesy of The Viewpoint Resort
The Rooms
The Viewpoint has three various kinds of lodging: Deluxe Shoreside Rooms, Grand Boutique Suites, and Petit Boutique Suites. All rooms on the resort have luxe facilities like separate non-bathroom sinks, good TVs, Bluetooth audio system, pour-over espresso, a devoted workspace, and a flameless hearth—the proper cozy contact for a romantic evening in. All are decked out in midcentury trendy, coastal-inspired decor with loads of soothing impartial tones and nautical accents.
There are a complete of 11 suites at The Viewpoint, and among the many two suite kinds, the Grand Boutique Suites are a bit extra luxurious and spacious, with a separate front room, non-public patio, and an en suite kitchen. The Petit Boutique Suites are nonetheless very spectacular and are excellent for {couples} or solo vacationers trying to splurge on some luxe digs. (Observe: The Petit Boutique Suites have ocean vistas however should not have lighthouse views.)
The seven new Deluxe Shoreside Rooms debuted with the resort’s 2023 opening and really feel as in the event that they have been chiseled instantly into the rocky terrain. These items have king-sized beds and one of the best lighthouse views on the property, with patios that have been designed in a manner so you possibly can’t see your neighbor, solely an opulent garden main straight out to the harbor. Better of all, the floor-to-ceiling home windows guarantee you possibly can see the dramatic North Atlantic shoreline always—whereas lounging in mattress, brushing your enamel, or showering.
joe navas/Natural Pictures/Courtesy of The Viewpoint Resort
Meals and Drink
There’s one on-site restaurant at The Viewpoint, the seasonally open A Little Auk, which operates out of a 1969 Airstream. Right here, diners can feast upon bacon-wrapped scallops, recent oysters, and wood-fired pizzas, in addition to bask in craft cocktails, native beers, and wine. Since it is a utterly out of doors restaurant, A Little Auk is closed through the coldest months of the 12 months. Nonetheless, there are just a few different choices close by.
For traditional Maine fare, head to a Stones Throw Resort and Restaurant (additionally owned by Lipton and Friar), the place company will discover a menu full of dishes like lobster rolls, pan-seared scallops, and steak. And, when you’ve ever questioned what it might be like if the Pine Tree State have been abruptly positioned on the shores of the Pacific, take into account a go to to Lulu’s Tiki Bar and Restaurant, positioned inside The Viewpoint’s newly opened sister resort, The Nevada. Right here, you may discover artistic gadgets like pulled jackfruit tacos and chimichurri-marinated hen in addition to a strong menu of tiki cocktails such because the Birds of Paradise, a mixture of bourbon and allspice dram shaken with lemon, lime, orange, and mango juice.
Actions and Facilities
A keep at The Viewpoint will get you complimentary entry to seashore cruisers, seashore membership service to close by Lengthy Sands Seaside, and equipment like chairs, umbrellas, towels, and video games. There’s additionally a free shuttle that can take you between The Viewpoint and the close by Stones Throw Resort and Restaurant.
Nature lovers will discover this surrounding space brimming with alternatives to attach with the outside. Discover numerous mountain climbing trails, or take to the water on a scenic breakfast or lobstering cruise. However when you’d fairly chill out on-site, company at The Viewpoint can take pleasure in entry to the property’s sauna, pool, and sizzling tub. Free yoga classes happen on the principle garden through the summer time. These trying to preserve their health routine will discover a lot to like concerning the fitness center, which has a Peloton bike, a treadmill, a Hydrow rowing machine, and weights.
Bridget Collins/Courtesy of The Viewpoint Resort
The Spa
For company looking for slightly rejuvenation, make time to go to the on-site Spa Home, the place you may discover all of The Viewpoint’s wellness facilities, together with a cedar sauna, a soaking sizzling tub, and yoga courses. The Spa Home additionally has a hearty menu of remedies, and you’ll choose from issues like foot soaks to facials to Maine-inspired massages such because the Deep Ocean Tissue.
Accessibility and Sustainability
There are presently two ADA-compliant rooms at The Viewpoint with accessible options resembling a wheel-up sink, lowered lavatory counters, and a no-threshold bathe with assist bars and a fold-down seat.
The Viewpoint has adopted a number of sustainability initiatives to scale back its carbon footprint. All cleansing merchandise used on-site are licensed climate-neutral, and the property recycles leftover lavatory soaps. It additionally composts all plant, meals, and compost-friendly packaging waste. There’s additionally an on-site Tesla charger that is out there on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Reel Maine Co./Courtesy of The Viewpoint Resort
Location
The closest main airport is the Portland Worldwide Jetport (PWM) in Portland, Maine, which is 41 miles and a 50-minute drive from York. Nonetheless, you might need higher luck catching a direct flight when you land at Boston Logan Worldwide Airport (BOS), positioned about 60 miles south of York (and an hour-and-a-half drive). York itself is pretty walkable, nevertheless it’s a good suggestion to have a automobile if you wish to discover close by cities and factors of curiosity.
Learn how to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep
The Viewpoint is independently owned, so it isn’t part of any main resort rewards packages. Nonetheless, the resort repeatedly runs seasonal presents—test the web site earlier than reserving your subsequent keep.